Season Preview
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Thackley
Most of the loyal Thackley squad have stayed for another campaign and they’re looking to push on after indifferent form in the past couple of seasons.
Manager
Paddy McGuire
The former Bradford City midfielder is hoping to complete his second full season in the job. Since being elevated to the dugout in January 2018 (initially as joint managers with Mike Garrod), he’s only full campaign to his name.
Opening Five Fixtures
Goole AFC (h), Wythenshawe Town – FA Cup (h), Silsden (a), Grimsby Borough (h), Winterton Rangers (a).
Notable Movement
In: Dan Vinten, Jahro Parchment (Field).
One to Watch
Albert Ibrahimi
Ibrahimi has returned to Thackley after a spell with Pontefract Collieries and he adds firepower to the Dennyboys attack.
Interview
Paddy McGuire is hoping Thackley can break into the top half of the NCEL Premier Division this season.
Thackley have finished 15th twice in the completed seasons since 2017s surprise fifth place finish and Mcguire has high hopes.
“We have high expectations as always,” McGuire told Non League Yorkshire.
“Although the league may be a lot even with the bigger sides going out, it is the NCEL, it is tough.
“It is about who gains that early momentum and momentum is everything for us and we’ll hoping for a good start.
“Hopefully a nice FA Cup run and FA Vase run too to get a feel good atmosphere around the club.
“Top eight is realistic for us. We have proved that year-on-year when we play teams at the top of the league.
“We always give them a good game.
“Our problems come when we play teams at the lower end which could be a mental thing.
“We have to be a lot more consistent this year and if we are there’s no reason why we can’t be in the right half of the league.”
McGuire has historically always had a massive squad and this season is no different,
But the difference in 2021 he has a West Yorkshire League reserve team managed by Harley Hirst to help him keep players happy and sees the second string being very beneficial to him.
“We have a reserve team this year so players who aren’t involved on a Saturday will have a game to go and watch which will help us keep everyone fit and sharp,” he said.
“Friday’s are a bad day for me as I’m usually leaving ten people out of the squad completely for the next game.
“Now we can provide them with a game of football.
“We can also pinpoint younger players who aren’t ready for the NCEL, but are ready for the reserves where we can develop them.
“We have had the pathway before where we have had the under 23s side, but we weren’t benefiting from it.
“We then went to an under 19s side and we had a really good side but those lads are too old for it so we have gone for a reserve team.”
He also sees the reserves as an ideal grounding for youngsters with potential.
“We do look at players we can develop,” he said.
“We don’t have the big money that makes able to go and take players from other teams.
“We have to look at players with potential and who we can develop and bring on.
“We have done that over the years and a lot of players have come in and moved to higher levels.
“Morgan Butcher is one after we brought him in last year and gave him first team football.
“So we are willing to do that and that’s why a lot of young players choose to come to Thackley.”
Prediction
Mid-Table